men's vs. women's cycling shorts

[li10up]

I was wondering if any of you have tried men's cycling shorts? Is the chamois that different in them? They look basically the same to me. The reason I ask is that it's hard in this small town to find women's shorts - but they always have mens. I hate the hassle of ordering online and then having to return stuff.

[Nanci]

The chamois in mens shorts extends further up the rise in front so they have padding. A male friend of mine recently informed me how irritating it is to have the tip hanging off the edge of the chamois.

Nanci

[SadieKate]

If they fit, they fit. The cut through the hips and thighs, and the leg length will be different (of course). The chamois will have padding in different areas. However, with the advent of single piece sculpted chamois, the differences are less (no seams in bad places).

Have you tried them on? How do they feel? Does the chamois seem like it will move around on you?

[li10up]

No, I haven't tried them on. Didn't know if I'd have to give up my "girl card" if I wore men's shorts. Might become a social outcast or something. I guess I just assumed they wouldn't fit right or why bother labeling them mens or womens.

[RoadRaven]

The chamois in mens shorts extends further up the rise in front so they have padding. A male friend of mine recently informed me how irritating it is to have the tip hanging off the edge of the chamois.

I am still aiming to get women specific shorts so I can compare the difference... but the shorts I have I assume are mens shorts as they are not marketed as womens... but the chamois only goes up as high as my bikini line... and is that too much? Do women's shorts have nothing at all over the "mons" - I think I'd miss that in a TT...

Road ~ even-more-curious-now ~ Raven

[GLC1968]

I've compared my husband's shorts to mine and there is no way I could fit that much padding between my legs! The chamois in his shorts is more hourglass shaped where mine are more gourd shaped (if that makes any sense). And no, RoadRaven, my women's shorts don't come up that high in the front at all. Though, after spending most of today's ride in the drops, I can certainly see (and feel ) how men's shorts would have an advantage on a TT bike!

I'm also short and small...so just like how men's bikes don't come small enough for me (stock), I think the shorts would all be too big too. If you are taller though, I would think that they would certainly be worth trying!

[caligurl]

i tried the men's tights of the shorts i wear and love (performance ultra).... i didn't like them... and sent them back!

[RoadRaven]

And no, RoadRaven, my women's shorts don't come up that high in the front at all. Though, after spending most of today's ride in the drops, I can certainly see (and feel ) how men's shorts would have an advantage on a TT bike!

Well, that comment more-or-less settles it for me...

I like the padding that is there (I can't imagine it being comfortable if it is narrower than what I am already using) and it is good to here a real-life comparison between the two "heights" at the front, thanks GLC.

I still intend to get a women's specific pair, just to try and compare, but I no longer wonder if I am missing out on something...